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Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

4.9 from 13 reviews

This Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe offers a spicy twist on the classic sloppy joe, featuring lean ground chicken seasoned with authentic Cajun spices and a rich, creamy tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner, this dish combines the Cajun trinity of vegetables with bold seasonings and soft toasted buns for a satisfying meal ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground chicken

Vegetables (Cajun Trinity)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning & Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt, to taste (adjust depending on seasoning blend)

For Serving

  • Soft burger buns, toasted
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetable Base: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic for 7-8 minutes. Cook slowly until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, forming the flavorful foundation of your Cajun Sloppy Joes.
  2. Cook the Ground Chicken: Crumble the lean ground chicken into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning evenly over the meat and vegetables to infuse authentic Louisiana-style flavor.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and optional hot sauce. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Toast the Buns and Add Cheese: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice hamburger buns and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 4-5 minutes until lightly crisp. Optionally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on the buns during the last minute of toasting to melt the cheese slightly.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot Cajun chicken sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Serve immediately for a delicious and hearty meal with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Use either homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning based on convenience.
  • Salt quantity depends on the salt content in your Cajun seasoning; taste and adjust as needed.
  • For a cheesier variation, use both cheddar and mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese.
  • Soft burger buns toasted inside add a delightful texture contrast to the saucy filling.
  • This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, sloppy joes, easy dinner, spicy sandwich, ground chicken recipe, Cajun seasoning, quick meal